My Running Diary

The midweek series of four 10k races are a must for any runner in the West Midlands/North Worcestershire area. Race 1 is at Hagley and out of the four is easily my favourite. Don’t expect to be setting yourself a new PB on this course though it’s not very likely! The race is well organised and well marshalled by Halesowen Athletics and Cycling Club and offers great value at just £4 for affiliated runners and £6 for unattached runners.

The race is two laps of a course comprised of a small section of road and then bridleways and public footpaths for the remainder. The weather plays a big part in how the course will be on the day, in the wet some of the bridleway sections are a nightmare of shin deep, slippery mud, the sort of stuff that just sucks running shoes from your feet. Wet weather is a bonus when you get to the sandy sections though, the damp sand is firm and easier to run on. Dry weather reverses the situation, there are two sandy sections that become really hard going as the dry sand slips sway under your feet and saps energy from your legs.

This year the weather was dry and made for a really great race, not too much mud but hard work in the sand. Personally I had a great race and finished in 46th place in a time of 44min 47sec, taking over 5 minutes off last years race time, it’s not often you get to do that!

If you haven’t tried a midweek race yet then put them in your diary for next year, you won’t regret it.